From:
mlmhrb@aol.com
Date: 2002-07-13 23:32:13 UTC
Subject: Osteosarcoma/carcinoma -advice, please
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <13451975.1026603133695.JavaMail.root@scandium>
As anyone on the FML knows, my 2 yr 7 mo old MF ferret Max has just been found to have an inoperable nickel-sized osteosarcoma or osteocarcinoma (no biopsy so not sure which) in his jaw. This was discovered 7/11/02 when I took him to Univ. of Tenn. vet clinic to diagnose early adrenal disease. I was right, he has adrenal, but I don't have to worry about it, as the bone tumor is likely to get him long before the adrenal becomes a problem.
The vet at UT said she had only seen a couple of these tumors in ferrets, but they are usually very fast growing. Do any of the vets here have more experience with these tumors? I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect - how long is Max likely to have, and what kind of pain meds can be safely used if he begins to need them. Right now his behavior is normal except for sleeping more than usual - he eats well, plays, poops & etc., just for shorter periods of time.
Any advice or experience would be helpful. As I said, the tumor is currently nickel-sized, almost perfectly round, located in his right rear jaw. Not noticable from outside unless he is laying on his back with his head stretched out, then a slight bump is visible. But you can feel it with your fingers if you stroke his throat. When he yawns, you can see that it is pushing the back of his tongue slightly to the side. Xray showed that it is pushing his esophagus down slightly.
Please respond with any information you may have.
Melissa Bell
Knoxville, TN
Mischief, Max & Merlin